youth sports conference

“The Youth Sports Congress is a great event to network and get up-to-date on the trends and issues in youth sports. We got a lot of new ideas this year and it’s good to see what other organizations are doing to improve their sports. Also, the people you meet at Congress are a great resource when you have a question. It’s easy to just send a quick email since you know them now and it’s not as awkward to ask for information or a favor.”

Miste Adams, Recreation Superintendent,National Trail Parks and Recreation District, Springfield, OH
“From my first experience I realized that attending Congress is something that is instrumental in my profession and every year I learn something new. The trends change and you get to meet more people in the industry that really helps me grow personally and professionally.”

Brent Mosbacher, Recreation Coordinator, City of Novato, Novato, CA
“Being military, attending the NAYS Youth Sports Congress is a nice way to get involved with the outside non-military youth sports organizations. To see what they are doing in their programs is a wonderful experience.”

Angie Gadomski, Youth Sports and Fitness Director, Ellsworth Air Force Base, Piedmont, SD
“I did not know so many other people loved kids like we did and it’s great to see and meet a bunch of individuals who love youth sports like we do.”

Roderick Mitchell, Coach, Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Southaven, MS
“I have never been to a conference that gives as much bang for your buck as NAYS Youth Sports Congress!”

Becky Shaddle, Athletic Director, Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club, Mercer Island, WA
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NAYS Youth Sports Congress Overview

 

Each year the NAYS Youth Sports Congress is the premiere educational experience for youth sports administrators! This comprehensive training experience is the #1 conference specifically dedicated to youth sports professionals.

The Youth Sports Congress attracts youth sports professionals and volunteers, any park and recreation professional who works with children in any capacity, military youth sports staff and other representatives to discuss cutting edge topics in the field of youth sports.

The Youth Sports Congress is open to any and all youth sports administrators although the entire event is designed for Certified Youth Sports Administrators (CYSAs) to stay up-to-date with a wide range of informative subjects and hot topics in youth sports, plus maintain their certification by earning continuing education. 

NAYS also encourages attendees who have yet to earn their CYSA designation since the General Youth Sports Congress registration includes an opportunity to earn the NAYS Certified Youth Sports Administrator (CYSA) credential by completing the Online Academy for Youth Sports Administrators.

For many years, NAYS has co-located the Youth Sports Congress and the NAYS Academy for Youth Sports Administrators at the annual Athletic Business Show - the leading educational event and trade show for athletic, fitness and recreation professionals for more than three decades. The 2021 NAYS Youth Sports Congress was held in-person during the AB Show in San Antonio, TX.

Due to the ongoing global pandemic, NAYS decided to offer the 2021 Virtual NAYS Youth Sports Congress to ensure that anyone and everyone can participate in the valuable educational and networking experience! The Virtual event includes the recorded and live sessions, roundtable discussions and continuous access thru December 31st to ensure that attendees can participate in all sessions!


Why should you attend?

FOR NEW ATTENDEES:

  1. Learn and Grow – As a new attendee you have the great opportunity to participate in the Youth Sports Congress sessions with existing CYSAs and expand your youth sports knowledge. Educational sessions are specifically designed to provide practical information about topics affecting youth sports today!

  2. Attend the Academy - Become a CYSA! – The General Registration option for either the in-person or Virtual Youth Sports Congress includes participation in the NAYS Academy for Youth Sports Administrators. Completing the NAYS Academy is the only avenue to become a NAYS Certified Youth Sports Administrator (CYSA) so these events let you get the best of both and essentially participate in two courses.

  3. Get CERTIFIED – After the NAYS Youth Sports Congress (in-person or Virtual), general registrants will receive 60-day access to the Online NAYS Academy to complete the certification process to ultimately earn the Certified Youth Sports Administrator (CYSA) credential

  4. Networking – Join other new attendees becoming a NAYS CYSA as well as long-time NAYS CYSAs and other professionals in our field to learn about other communities and youth sports related topics happening around the country.

For returning attendees:

  1. Educational Sessions – As a returning attendee, you already know that the Congress and Athletic Business Show sessions can provide practical, cutting-edge information to you, your organization and your community to improve youth sports in today’s changing landscape.

  2. Keynotes and Awards – Athletic Business always provides fantastic well-known keynote speakers for all attendees to enjoy. The NAYS National Awards presentation also provides attendees with a chance to learn about stellar programs and individuals!

  3. Earn Continuing Education and SAVE – By attending the wide variety of sessions, you obtain continuing education to maintain your NAYS CYSA credential for another two years. The continuing education processing fees are included in your registration! After the in-person or Virtual Congress, you will receive a digital Activity Log and your CYSA will be updated with no processing fees to reflect the documented hours earned.

  4. Exhibit Hall – In-person attendees will visit with more than 250+ manufacturers at the Athletic Business Show. You can find the latest equipment and services to help your organization move forward and grow.

  5. Networking – We have also planned some interactive sessions to allow participants to take advantage of our special networking opportunities for learning, sharing information and building camaraderie with youth sports professionals from other communities.